QR84bn defence deals signed

DOHA: DIMDEX 2014 exhibition and conference concluded yesterday with the announcement of over $23bn (about QR83.75bn) agreements between Qatar Armed Forces and over 20 contractors.

Deals involve purchase of tanks, helicopters, artillery, guided missiles and various types of warships from countries, including the US, France, Germany, China, Turkey, among others, said a press statement yesterday. Qatar National Security Shield (NSS) and Defence Services Marketing Council (DSMC) also announced the signing of an agreement worth QR300,000 to hold the annual Qatar Maritime Security – Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Conference this October.

It will be held under the theme ‘Maritime Domain Awareness, The Steps to Maritime Security’. The deal was signed by Staff Brig. (Pilot) Mohammed A Al Mannai, Director, NSS Project, and Matthew Cochran, Chairman of Defence Services Marketing Council.

The Assistant Minister of State for Defence Affairs for Financial Affairs and Chairman of DIMDEX H E Brig. Dr (Engineer) Thani A Al Kuwari, said: “DIMDEX 2014 is the best edition to date and we greatly appreciate the support we have received from our sponsors, partners, related government and non-governmental institutions, local media partners and international ones throughout this event.

“This week has been about building on our existing relationships and building new ones, broadening our knowledge in the advancement of new technologies and establishing partnerships with world’s leading experts to better Qatar’s position. We look forward to DIMDEX 2016 and expanding on our successes this year.” The Peninsula